Thank-You Notes, Ryan Style

Last week I heard from an old work colleague on Facebook. We haven’t worked together for nearly a decade, but have kept in touch over social media. R is a reader and occasional commenter on the blog, a talented writer, a dad to two beautiful girls, and a “hockey person.”

R fits the bill. After my recent post about Ryan’s visit with the Sharks, he sent me a message saying he had something for Ryan. R had once written a big package on NHL mascots and many had sent him mementos. He asked for our address.

A few days later, a package showed up addressed to Ryan. He tore it open to find a hand puppet of S.J. Sharkie, the team mascot. Even better was a personal note from R, written from one hockey fan to another.

R told Ryan that, as the biggest Sharks fan he knew, he wanted Ryan to have Sharkie.

Ryan loved it. Veronica texted me a picture at the top of this post right away.

Sharkie has taken up residence in Ryan’s bed, alongside his cousin, the Sharks Pillow Pet. He’s become a key good-luck charm on the nights of big games. I suspect we’ll see a lot of him during San Jose’s upcoming first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings.

We told Ryan he needed to send a thank you note to R. Of course he did it in his own unique style.

Ryan’s thank you note has a style all his own

Dear [R],
Thank you for my stuffed Sharkie. I love him. Now, let’s beat the living crap out of the Kings.
From,
[Ryan]

Dear Ryan,
Glad you liked Sharkie. He was getting sick and tired of watching hockey games in my house, as my favorite teams are the Rangers and whoever is playing the Islanders and Devils. I knew he’d be in good hands with you. I hope he brings you and San Jose lots of luck in the playoffs. Go Sharks!
All the best,
R

Married father of two, rapidly approaching middle age. Hockey has been a constant in my life since the age of four. I care way too much about most sports -- something that will become evident in these pages -- but I'm learning that some things are more important. My son has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS, ADHD and Asperger's at various points.